FAQ

What documentation does MSNT accept to prove disability?

MSNT requires a current copy of the applicant’s award letter from the Social Security Administration for SSISupplemental Security Income based on disability and/or SSDISupplemental Security Disability Income. If the applicant is over the age of 62 we require an award letter issued by the Social Security Administration prior to the applicant’s 62nd birthday or a Social Security letter or benefit summary stating the date SSA determined the applicant had a qualifying disability. If the applicant is under the age of 18 and not receiving SSI, contact MSNT to discuss acceptable documentation of disability.

Does MSNT require proof of income for everyone that lives in the home I live in?

Yes, MSNT uses household income to determine eligibility for grants and requires proof of income for everyone living in the home. The only exceptions are if the individual lives in a residential setting due to disability such as an ISLIndependent Supported Living, Group Home, Assisted Living or Nursing Home. Failure to report all household members and their income may result in disqualification for a grant award.

What documentation does MSNT accept to prove income?

For the individual that is disabled, a current copy of the award letter from the Social Security Administration for SSISupplemental Security Income and/or SSDISupplemental Security Disability Income stating the monthly income is required. If the individual with a disability or others in the home are working or have worked in the last 12 months, MSNT will accept copies of pay stubs, W2’s, the first page of last year’s tax form filed with the IRS, or reports from other agencies (such as but not limited to unemployment benefits, private pension, or other social welfare benefits) stating specific income or benefits paid to the person with a disability or other household members.

What is needed on an estimate submitted to support a grant application and how does MSNT use the information on the estimate?

The itemized estimate needs to be documentation from a business stating what items or services the applicant is requesting assistance for and the estimated cost. The estimate must be on official letterhead of the business and include the name and address of the business or service provider. When obtaining the estimate, the applicant should request that the business includes any taxes, installation, accessories (such as batteries), or delivery fees. If a grant award is approved, the grant award amount is based on the information provided on the estimate. MSNT may award a portion of the request and will use the information in the estimate to determine the partial award.

Does the grant expire?

Grants expire 6 months after approval and the expiration date is included in the award notice.

How often is an applicant eligible to receive a grant?

Applicants can receive no more than one grant in a 12 month period.

Does the applicant have to receive Social Security disability payments to qualify for a grant?

If an applicant is 18 or older, the applicant must be receiving Social Security SSISupplemental Security Income based on disability and/or SSDISupplemental Security Disability Income to prove the applicant has a qualifying disability. The only exception is if the applicant is a child under the age of 18.

If an applicant is 62 years or older and receives Social Security Retirement benefits, is the applicant eligible for a grant award?

MSNT has adopted the disability definition defined Social Security law and policy. To be eligible for a grant from MSNT’s Charitable program, the applicant must submit documentation that Social Security officials have made a determination of disability that occurred before the age of 62. Receiving Social Security retirement benefits alone or disabling conditions that occur after the age of 62 do not meet MSNT requirements for disability.

How much financial assistance can an applicant request?

The maximum grant award amount is $1500 but many awards are made for less than the maximum. The amount of the grant award is based on the estimate submitted with the application and MSNT may award less than the amount requested. Award amounts are made payable to the retail outlet, service provider or health provider that prepared the estimate AFTER the goods or services have been provided to the grant recipient.

Can the grant applicant decide what the grant is used for after it has been approved?

MSNT grant award notices will specify the item(s)/service(s) specifically approved. MSNT employees are not authorized to make changes after Board approval. For example, if an applicant has requested assistance for hearing aids, MSNT will authorize payment only to the hearing aid vendor, not to a dentist for dental work. Grant award decisions rely on the information contained in the estimate submitted with the grant application.

Does the grant have to be repaid after it is used?

No, MSNT does not require that the grant must be paid back.

What happens if an applicant receives notice that a grant has been awarded but it is no longer needed?

MSNT understands that circumstances change. If an applicant has found other resources or is no longer in need of the requested item/service, contact MSNT so the funds can be used for other Missourians with a disability.

What happens if an applicant does not use the entire amount of the grant award authorized by MSNT?

MSNT will authorize a payment for actual cost of specific services provided based on an invoice submitted by the store/provider. MSNT does not permit the grant to pay for past or future services/items with the provider or to purchase another item or service.